Ah, summer—the season of beach days, tan lines, fruity cocktails, and the eternal question: Where to go this summer? If your group chat is stuck in “I don’t know, you pick” limbo and your Instagram is silently judging you for not having travel plans yet, don’t worry. I’ve got you covered.
Whether you’re craving crystal-clear waters, old cobblestone charm, epic hikes, or just a break from adulting (honestly, same), this list has something for every kind of traveler. So let’s take a look at the best places to go this summer before your out-of-office message becomes a cry for help.
1. Amalfi Coast, Italy
For the main character vibes
If sipping limoncello in Positano while wearing your most dramatic sunhat sounds like a dream—well, it is. But it’s also real, and you should go live it. The Amalfi Coast delivers on all fronts: colorful cliffside villages, Mediterranean views that look filtered in real life, and fresh seafood that’ll make you rethink every grocery store shrimp you’ve ever eaten.
🧳 Best for: Couples, solo dreamers, and anyone who wants to live like a chic movie star.
2. Bali, Indonesia
For spiritual beach bums and smoothie bowl connoisseurs
Still one of the best places to go this summer, Bali checks all the boxes: beach, jungle, temples, rice terraces, and more cafes than you can count with the word “soul” in the name. Whether you’re surfing in Canggu, hiking Mount Batur at sunrise, or meditating in Ubud, Bali is your perfect mix of chill and adventure.
🧘♀️ Hot tip: Avoid the tourist swarm by heading to lesser-known gems like Amed or Sidemen.
Related Read: 6 Beautiful Places to Visit in Bali – Guide to an Unforgettable Island Getaway
3. San Sebastián, Spain
For foodie travelers who like their tapas with a sea view
Spain in the summer? Always a good idea. San Sebastián (or Donostia if you’re feeling local) is a charming coastal town in the Basque Country that serves Michelin-star-worthy eats without the Michelin-star attitude. The beaches are beautiful, the pinxtos are addictive, and the vibes? Immaculate.
🍷 Pro tip: Pintxo crawl your way through the Old Town with a glass of txakoli in hand.
4. Banff, Canada
For those who think vacation should include mountains, not just margs
If you’re wondering where to go this summer for scenery that looks like a Windows screensaver, Banff is your spot. Located in Alberta, this national park is basically the poster child for Canada’s natural beauty. Hike around turquoise lakes, rent a canoe, spot wildlife, and channel your inner nature doc narrator.
🏕️ Best time to visit: July to August for warm temps and clear trails.
5. Lisbon, Portugal
For sun, style, and sardines (yes, really)
Lisbon is where history and hipster meet in the best way possible. You’ve got tile-covered buildings, vintage trams, live Fado music, and rooftop bars with views for days. It’s also surprisingly affordable (by European summer standards), and the day trips—from Sintra to Cascais—are chef’s kiss.
☀️ Bonus: The beaches are just a short train ride away. Work hard, beach harder.
6. Kyoto, Japan
For peaceful temples and photogenic everything
While Tokyo is all neon and chaos (in a good way), Kyoto is calm, classic, and the perfect summer escape for cultural immersion. Wander bamboo forests, visit centuries-old shrines, and try matcha everything. Plus, Japan in summer means festival season, so you might just stumble into fireworks and yukata magic.
🎎 Don’t miss: Gion District for geisha spotting and traditional tea houses.
Related Read: Dream Vacation Destinations – 10 Unforgettable Places to Add to Your Bucket List
7. Greek Islands (Santorini? Too crowded. Try Naxos or Milos)
For that blue-and-white postcard moment
We all love Santorini, but if you’re trying to avoid the selfie stick army, opt for a quieter island. Naxos has stunning beaches and a laid-back vibe, while Milos boasts unreal rock formations and turquoise coves. Whichever you choose, expect sunsets that’ll make your phone cry with joy.
🚢 Ferry life tip: Use Blue Star Ferries to hop between islands with ease.
8. Lake Bled, Slovenia
For fairytale feels without the crowds
Yes, it’s real. That little church on the island in the middle of a lake surrounded by mountains? That’s Lake Bled, and it’s basically Europe’s best-kept secret. You can row out to the island, ring the church bell for good luck, and eat Bled cream cake. It’s giving “rom-com set in Europe” energy.
📸 Instagrammable alert: Hike to the Ojstrica viewpoint for the photo.
9. Iceland
For cool summer travel—literally
Want to skip the whole “sweating through your clothes” part of summer? Iceland’s mild weather, midnight sun, and dramatic landscapes offer a totally different (and cooler) summer vibe. Think waterfalls, lava fields, black sand beaches, and maybe even a puffin or two.
🔥 Road trip it on the Ring Road. It’s an adventure, and the sheep will cheer you on (silently, but still).
10. The Azores, Portugal
For nature lovers who want to say, “I went there before it was cool”
Nine volcanic islands in the middle of the Atlantic? Yes, please. The Azores are a paradise for hiking, whale watching, hot springs soaking, and hydrangea-spotting. It’s like Hawaii and Iceland had a moody, beautiful baby.
🌿 Best base: São Miguel for beginners, or Flores for the more intrepid.
11. Queenstown, New Zealand
For southern hemisphere magic
Remember, it’s winter down there—so while we’re sweating, Queenstown is skiing. But if you’re craving a twist on the usual summer vacation (or if you’re just chasing adventure year-round), Queenstown’s mix of mountains, lakes, and adrenaline sports is worth the jet lag.
❄️ Ideal for: Skiers, snowboarders, and bungee jumpers with strong stomachs.
12. Hvar, Croatia
For beach parties, yacht energy, and seafood goals
Hvar is Croatia’s sunniest island and a summer hotspot for good reason. The water is crystal-clear, the nightlife is sizzling, and you can hop on a boat to nearby islands like Pakleni. It’s like Mykonos, but less expensive and arguably more chill (depending on how many Aperol spritzes you’ve had).
🍑 Day trip alert: Visit the nearby Blue Cave. It’s like being inside a sapphire.
13. Tulum, Mexico
For beach glam with a side of jungle ruins
Yes, it’s popular. Yes, it’s Instagrammed. But Tulum still brings the goods: white sand beaches, boho-chic stays, cenotes that look straight out of a fantasy novel, and tacos that ruin all other tacos forever. If you want your summer to be equal parts relaxing and “look at my life” fabulous—Tulum’s calling.
🌮 Travel tip: Rent a bike and explore the quieter, eco-chic side of town.
14. Scotland
For misty castles, scenic drives, and Outlander fantasies
Not a beach person? Scotland’s cool weather, dramatic landscapes, and historic castles are perfect for a magical, moody summer. Road trip the NC500 route, explore the Isle of Skye, or just cozy up in a pub with a dram of whisky. Trust, it’s romantic and rugged in the best way.
🐑 Also, Highland cows are real and fluffy. That’s the post.
15. Seychelles
For luxury island vibes without the Bali crowds
Tucked away in the Indian Ocean, Seychelles is all palm trees, granite boulders, and beaches that belong on desktop wallpapers. If you’re dreaming of an exclusive, over-the-top beach getaway this summer, this is your spot.
🛥️ Tip: Island-hop between Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue for the full experience.
So, Where to Go This Summer?
From dreamy islands to charming old towns and nature havens, you’ve got options—LOTS of them. Whether you want to bask in sun, hike through mountain passes, eat your weight in gelato, or just unplug somewhere beautiful, this list has you covered.
The real question isn’t where to go this summer, it’s how many of these can I squeeze into my PTO?
So go ahead, book that ticket. Summer won’t wait, and neither should you.
Found your dream destination? Share this post with your travel squad, bookmark it for future inspo, and let me know which spot is calling your name!
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